Sunday, February 19, 2012

Come on baby light my fire.

When our daughter Julie showed me an outdoor chandelier she wanted to buy for 40 some dollars, it finally lit a fire under me to start the chandelier project that's been on the back burner for well over a year.

﻿I already had plenty of glass insulators.

They were practically giving them away for 50 cents apiece at an estate sale.

I sent my hunter and gatherer out to the garage attic for a roll of old garden fencing.

﻿It's not vintage, but nicely weathered. We used it along a lilac hedge to keep our little Fergie from sneaking out of the yard and it's still sold by the roll at most home centers. The insulators and the fencing are the main components of the chandelier and the rest of the items are things you probably have on hand. I was determined to complete this project without spending a dime!

A few pieces of chain, some 20 gauge wire, an outdoor faucet handle, a screw eye and nut, a large S hook, some bending and twisting and voila!

An outdoor chandelier ready for an alfresco dinner. Well, maybe after the snow melts.

I wired the insulators onto the fencing.

I turned the fencing upside down and curled the straight ends with needle nose pliers. I cut 3 lengths of chain and threaded them, evenly spaced onto the curled sections of fencing.

The other end of the chain is attached to a faucet handle. A screw eye is inserted into the center of the handle and secured with a nut.

I used a hook for a pot rack and a short piece of chain to hang the chandelier from a tree branch.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, I gave it a trial run. Megan and I bought well over a hundred vintage blue jars in 3 different sizes for her wedding. The plan was to have lit candles in all of them on the tables at the reception﻿. There was just one problem. When the candles were lit, the jars overheated and cracked. We went with Plan B which was fresh sunflowers in the jars instead of candles. And yes, Megan, I have enough supplies to make you a chandelier, too. :@

We ( I sent my assistant ahead of me with a lighter ) had to wait until nightfall to try it out.

Success! Although, it was only 30 degrees outside, so the insulators were unlikely to overheat.

This chandy needs a sturdy branch. It weighs 6.8 pounds. Without candles.

OH MY GOSH!!!!! I LOVE IT, MOM!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I can't wait to hang it outside. (Thanks for convincing me not to buy that one in Buffalo. This one is much cooler, since it is was "made by mom with love." I almost cried it is so pretty. {I must be PMS-ing.} Talk later!!!!

Yes...how did you know I would be BEGGING for one!?! That is so nice! Hmm...where to hang it? Obviously on our porch...a little dining area? I can't wait until summer (I've been having spring fever all day). THANK YOU in advance...so lovely!

Oh I love it, LOVE IT!!! just found your blog, and wow, you have some truly great ideas here. That chandelier project is so cool, and I can't believe how creative you are. Looks beautiful in the winter scene! I am a new follower and am hosting a delightful little vintage Spring Swap. come say hi and check it out!

I love the look and color of the whole piece and that you put it together so easily. New to your blog. Did not realize I had my volume on and your playlist started playing music suddenly - checked it out - my kind of music! A new follower - looks like there is a lot to learn here. Thanks for sharing!

Ya, sure, you betcha! lol My Mom still talks Minnesotan even though she's lived in SoCal for 60 years.My backyard birdbath is jealous of the chandy above yours. Seriously, thanks for the inspiration.first time here. What fun! thanks. blessings, k

This is fabulous! I just happen to have all the things to make one too! Exciting! So glad I've found your wonderful blog and am following along. If you get a chance, stop by the Little Shack for a visit! Take care!

I love this too. I have several that I just wired and hung as single votive holders. I have burned them a lot with no problems. I am going to make one of these. I also saw one that had an old jar holder in the middle so you could put fresh flowers in the middle and have the candles. Just lovely. Leslie

Our 1921 Dutch Colonial aka 911

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Hi, I'm Vickie, a northern Minnesota Iron Ranger who resides with my husband of 35 years at 911. I work 3 days a week as a medical lab tech and the rest of the days, you're likely to find me working on projects around our house, which is my favorite place to be.....unless we're visiting our 4 precious grandchildren.